1.

Minutes

It was moved and seconded

That the minutes of the meeting of the Development Permit Panel held on Wednesday, December 10^th, 2003, be adopted.

CARRIED

2.

Development Permit DP 03-249146
(Report: December 9/03 File No.:  03-249146)   (REDMS No. 1093213)

APPLICANT:

Great Canadian Casinos Inc.

PROPERTY LOCATION:

8671, 8811, 8831, 8840 River Road and 2420 No. 3 Road (Parkade only)

INTENT OF PERMIT:

1.

To permit development of a parking structure at the northeast corner of River Road and No. 3 Road for the adjacent casino/hotel development on a site zoned as Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6) and designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), and;

2.

To vary the provisions of the Zoning and Development Bylaw No. 5300 to permit the following:

a)

Reduce the road setback along the east side of the No. 3 Road right of way from 6 m (19.685 ft.) to 0 m (0 ft.) for the cantilevered roof structures and trellis posts associated with three (3) stair towers;

b)

Reduce the road setback along the east side of the No. 3 Road right of way from 6 m (19.685 ft.) to 2.438m (8 ft.) for three stair towers;

c)

Reduce the road setback along the east side of the No. 3 Road right of way from 6 m (19.685 ft.) to 4.877m (16 ft.) for the parkade walls; and

d)

Increase the height limit for buildings from 12 m (39.370 ft.) to 16.459 m       (54 ft.) for the stair towers, elevator cores and a public observation platform.

Applicants Comments

Randy Knill, representing the applicant, advised that the height and massing of the parkade had been reduced considerably, however, the footprint remained unchanged.  The building now included a viewing platform on the north-east corner as required by the development guidelines for this area.  The architecture of the parkade complimented that of the casino.  It had been pushed as far as possible into the site,  to lessen its impact on the Bridgepoint marsh.  A green shield technique would be used for the walls surrounding the parkade, and plant groupings should provide some screening for the site.  He noted that a height variance was being requested for architectural protuberances which were slightly above the permitted height allowance.  A setback variance was also being requested because of impingement of stairs into the road setback allowance. 

The landscape architect advised that the landscape design for the casino would be carried through to the parkade, the boardwalk and around the periphery of the marsh.  He noted that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans had been consulted with regard to landscaping around the marsh area and they were pleased with the results.  The boardwalk although used principally for pedestrians, could be used for a viewing area as well.   The buffer between the parkade and the boardwalk was approximately 3 6m wide.  Trellises on the roof would be landscaped and planters with trees would be incorporated into the faade for screening purposes. 

Staff Comments

Mr. Holger Burke, Development Coordinator, advised that the developer had originally provided over $2 million dollars as a security deposit for landscaping of the entire site, and therefore it was not necessary to provide another letter of credit as requested on the staff report dated December 9^th, 2003.  He also advised that all other development requirements had been satisfactorily resolved by the applicant.  In response to a query from the Panel, he stated that the height variance was well within YVRs height requirement limits.  He advised that staff recommended approval of this development permit application.

Correspondence

None.

Gallery Comments

None.

Panel Discussion

In response to a query from the Panel, Mr. Knill advised that the pump station issues had been satisfactorily resolved with staff.  The improved design allowed full access for maintenance, inspections and upgrades if and when required.

Panel Decision

It was moved and seconded

That a Development Permit be issued for 8671, 8811, 8831, 8840 River Road and 2420 No. 3 Road that would:

1.

Permit development of a parking structure at the northeast corner of River Road and No. 3 Road for the adjacent casino/hotel development on a site zoned as Automobile-Oriented Commercial District (C6) and designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA), and;

2.

Vary the provisions of the Zoning and Development Bylaw No. 5300 to permit the following:

a)

Reduce the road setback along the east side of the No. 3 Road right of way from 6 m (19.685 ft.) to 0 m (0 ft.) for the cantilevered roof structures and trellis posts associated with three (3) stair towers;

b)

Reduce the road setback along the east side of the No. 3 Road right of way from 6 m (19.685 ft.) to 2.438m (8 ft.) for three stair towers;

c)

Reduce the road setback along the east side of the No. 3 Road right of way from 6 m (19.685 ft.) to 4.877m (16 ft.) for the parkade walls; and

d)

Increase the height limit for buildings from 12 m (39.370 ft.) to 16.459 m (54 ft.) for the stair towers, elevator cores and a public observation platform.

CARRIED

3.

GENERAL COMPLIANCE - REQUEST BY J.A.B. ENTERPRISES LTD. FOR A GENERAL COMPLIANCE RULING AT 7060 BLUNDELL ROAD

(Report: December 16/03 File No.:  DP 03-244583)   (REDMS No. 1102016)

APPLICANT:

J.A.B. Enterprises Ltd.

PROPERTY LOCATION:

7060 Blundell Road

Applicants Comments

The applicant was not present.

Staff Comments

Mr. Holger Burke advised that staff had no objection to the two minor changes required in this general compliance application.

Correspondence

None.

Gallery Comments

None.

Panel Discussion

None.

Panel Decision

It was moved and seconded

That the addition of a hydro utility enclosure room projecting 0.9 m (2.95 ft) into the side yard setback and relocation of one (1) visitor parking stall be considered in General Compliance with Development Permit DP 03-244583 at 7060 Blundell Road.

CARRIED

4.

Adjournment

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting be adjourned at 3:55 p.m.

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Development Permit Panel of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Wednesday, December 23^rd, 2003.

____________________________________

_________________________________

Jeff Day, GM-Engineering and Public Works
Chair

Desiree Wong
Recording Secretary